Replacing pirated Win8.1 with a Genuine Copy

[Kraizykev]

Hello there,

My gf's laptop is currently using a pirated version of windows 8.1 Enterprise. I want to replace this with a genuine copy(haven't bought one yet) but I'm not sure how I go about replacing it and if I'll have to do a hard drive reformat or something.

If anyone can give me advice or a step-by-step that would be awesome!

In case it's needed, her laptop is a Lenovo y510p(non-SLI) and the hard drive was recently replaced with a 500gb SSD after the old one died. Video card is Integrated intel and NVIDIA GT755m.

I want to replace the windows so that I can download the windows updates which should hopefully fix some of the issues it's currently experiencing.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes, you'll have to reinstall. Purchase a copy of windows and then proceed as follows:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

 

[kenghtt]

You will need to reformat and install the new copy. I would suggest backing up any data from your laptop before wiping it clean first.

 

[orlbuckeye]

When you buy Windows you are purchasing a license and a key opens that license. So you should be able to purcahse a valid key and activate for the version you paid for. When you install Windows all versions are installed and the key activates which version you paid for.